News

Petr Cech defies unlucky Swiss

The Swiss have the Alps, the Czech Republic have Jan Koller, and Euro 2008 had an opening game that, while it did not quite touch those sorts of heights, provided some lively moments, and a new name to note in a tournament full of well-known stars.

It did not finish with the result that the majority of those attending would have wanted but at least there will be a few relieved Austrians over the border. Switzerland cannot yet start bragging that they are the least undistinguished of the two host teams.

They can count themselves narrow losers. They threatened Petr Cech's goal more often than their own was vulnerable, but Cech made some good saves, notably late on from Tranquillo Barnetta.

The Swiss also believed they should have had a chance to equalise Vaclav Sverkos's goal via the penalty spot, after Tomas Ujfalusi handled the ball. They did not get